In regards to Alien Smuggling and Harboring Illegal Aliens, under Title 8 of the United States Code Section 1324 any of the following acts or attempts of these acts are illegal:
Alien Smuggling:
According to Subsection 1324(a)(1)(A)(i) it is illegal for any person to knowingly and intentionally bring or attempt to bring into the US an alien at any place other than an official point of entry to the country, such as an airport, port or land immigration checkpoint. The crime is applicable to both aliens who are in the country with the US permission and to those who have entered illegally.
Domestic Transporting:
According to Subsection 1324(a)(1)(A)(ii) it is illegal for any person to transport or move an alien within the US by any means of transportation, with knowledge or reckless disregard of the alien’s unlawful immigrations status.
Harboring:
According to Subsection 1324(a)(1)(A)(iii), it is illegal for any person to conceal, harbor, or shield from detection or attempt to conceal, harbor, or shield from detection an alien in any place, including buildings or means of transportation with knowledge or reckless disregard of the alien’s illegal immigrations status.
Encouraging/Inducing:
According to Subsection 1324(a)(1)(A)(iv) it is illegal for any person to encourage or induce an alien to come to, enter, or reside in the US, with knowledge or reckless disregard of the fact that such coming to, entry, or residence is a violation of law.
Conspiracy/Aiding or Abetting:
According to Subsection 1324(a)(1)(A)(v) it is illegal for any person to engage in a conspiracy to commit or aid and abet the commission of any of foregoing crimes.
Bringing Aliens to the United States:
According to Subsection 1324(a)(2), it is illegal for any person to bring or to attempt to bring an alien into the US with knowledge or reckless disregard that the alien was not authorized to come to, enter or reside in the country.
Unlawful Employment of Aliens:
According to Subsection 1324(a)(3)(A) it is illegal for any person, during any twelve-month period, to knowingly hire at least ten individuals with knowledge that these individuals are unauthorized aliens.
“Knowledge” as the element of crime
According to federal law to convict the defendant under Title 8 of the United States Code 1324(a)(1)(A)(i) the prosecutor must establish that the defendant had knowledge or recklessly disregarded that the person brought to the United States was an alien.
Human Smuggling and Harboring Illegal Aliens
Penalties for human smuggling and harboring illegal aliens are as follows.
Alien Smuggling
Penalties for Alien Smuggling include
Up to 10 years in federal prison
Up to 20 years in federal prison if the defendant caused serious bodily injury or put in jeopardy the life of another person
Death penalty can be applicable in case the defendant’s actions causes death.
Domestic Transportation, Harboring, and Encouraging/Inducing
Up to 5 years in federal prison
Up to 10 years in federal prison if the crime is for commercial advantage or financial gain.
Up to 20 years in federal prison if the defendant caused serious bodily injury or put in jeopardy the life of another person
Death penalty can be applicable in case the defendant’s actions causes death.
Conspiracy
Up to 10 years in federal prison
Aiding or Abetting
Up to 5 years in federal prison
Bringing Aliens to the US
Up to 1 year in federal prison
Up to 10 year in federal prison in case a first or second violation happened where the alien was not immediately brought to official point of entry upon arrival
Up to 10 years in federal prison in case if the crime was done for commercial advantage or financial gain, or if committed with intention that the alien would commit a crime against the US or any state that is punishable by more than one year.
California Penal Code Section 240 defines assault as an attempt to commit a violent injury on someone else. Assault is usually in connection with the battery, though they are two different offenses. Penal Code Section 242 differs battery from an assault as it requires that the defendant actually use force or violence against someone else. For expanded interpretation, here are the legal definitions of the differences between California Penal Code 240, 242, 243 and 273.5.
What Does the Prosecutor Have to Prove to Convict a Defendant of Penal Code 240 Assault?
The prosecutor must establish the following elements to convict the defendant of assault under Penal Code 240:
Defendant acted willfully
Defendant’s act was a direct and probable result in the application of force to another person
Under 18 USC 2113 Subsection (a) it is you cannot take or attempt to take money, property, or any item of value from a covered financial institution by using force. Moreover, this section also covers the entry to financial institution with the intention to commit the robbery. Thus, defendant can still face consequences if he enters the bank with intention to commit the bank robbery but doesn’t have the opportunity to further his actions.
Under 18 USC 2113 Subsection (b) you cannot take property which belongs to a covered institution, and applies to situations when the defendant doesn’t use force to obtain property, money, or any item of value.
18 USC 2113 Subsection (c) covers crime participants who may not have taken the property, but who have participated in the crime by receiving, hiding, possessing, trading, selling, or disposing the money, property, or thing of value.
According to 18 USC § 152 and 18 USC § 157 Bankruptcy Fraud is committed when a person makes a misleading claim or false statement in a bankruptcy proceeding or intentionally files a fraudulent bankruptcy petition as part of a larger scheme to defraud. Bankruptcy Fraud can be prosecuted through numerous criminal statutes such as wire fraud, mail fraud, credit card fraud, conspiracy, or tax fraud. The most prevalent charge is Bankruptcy Fraud under USC Section 152 which covers all possible methods that a debtor or other person can employ to defraud any bankruptcy filing or proceeding.
Willfully and Intentionally Committing Bankruptcy Fraud
The defendant can’t accidentally commit bankruptcy fraud. Criminal fraud always involves knowingly misleading the court, hiding assets, or taking other fraudulent actions.
Examples of Bankruptcy Fraud
Examples of bankruptcy fraud include the following
Concealing property belonging to a debtor
Making a false statement or declaration under penalty of perjury in connection with a bankruptcy
Concealing or transferring property in contemplation of a bankruptcy case
Making a false claim against the estate of a debtor
According to California Penal Code Section 626.9, also known as the California Gun-Free Zone Act, it is illegal to knowingly possess loaded or unloaded a firearm or to discharge a firearm in a school zone.
Elements of Penal Code Section 626.9
Prosecutor must establish the following elements to convict the defendant of violating the Gun-Free School Zone Act
Defendant was in possession of a firearm
Defendant was within a school zone
Defendant knew or reasonably should have known, that he was in a school zone
Firearm For purposes of PC Section 629.9, a firearm is a device designed to be used as a weapon, from which is expelled through a barrel, a projectile by the force of an explosion or other form of combustion. School Zone School Zone is an area, “in, or on the grounds of, a public or private school providing instruction to kindergarten or grades 1 to 12”, or within 1,000 feet of those grounds.
California Penal Code Sections 243(b) and 243(c) makes it is illegal to commit a battery on a peace officer. Person can be found guilty of PC 243(b) or (c) if he knowingly used unlawful force against a peace officer while he was performing his duties.
Elements of Penal Code 243(b) Battery on a Peace Officer
Prosecutor must establish the following elements to prove that the defendant is guilty of battery on a police officer.
Defendant unlawfully and willfully touched a peace officer in an offensive or harmful manner
The victim was a peace officer and was performing his duties
Defendant knew or reasonably should have known, that the victim was a peace officer who was performing his duties
If charged for PC 243(c) - as a result of the used force used the peace officer suffered injury that required medical treatment
For Purposes of The Penal Code A Peace Officer Includes
Penal Code gives a broad definition to a “peace officer”, which includes the following:
Under California Penal Code Section 666 petty theft with a prior is described as follows: “Every person who has been convicted of three or more times of petty theft, grand theft, auto theft, burglary, carjacking, robbery, or a felony violation resulting in serving time in jail is convicted of petty theft”. Thus for be sentenced to penalties for petty theft with a prior under PC Section 666, defendant must first had conviction of California petty theft penal code 484 and 488.
Elements of Penal Code 666 Petty Theft with a Prior
Prosecution must establish the following elements for convicting the defendant of the petty theft with a prior under Penal Code 666:
Defendant had prior convictions for a theft crime for which he served jail or prison time
Defendant also had a conviction for a violent or serious California crime for which he served time in prison or jail
Qualifying theft crimes include: grand theft (including grand theft with a firearm) auto theft, carjacking, burglary and robbery. To get conviction of petty theft with a prior the defendant must also have a conviction for any of the below mentioned offenses, additionally to a theft crime conviction.
Sexual assault by Uber drivers is not uncommon, and the sexual assault itself is prevalent all over. A person must give consent for being touched, and without consent, anyone who is touching or behaving inappropriately can be targeted for assault or harassment.
Sexual Assault in an Uber
Sexual Assault, Touching, or Rape in an Uber Examples of sexual and physical attacks include:
Touching
Groping
Fondling
Forced sexual action
Rape
Sexual abuse
Sexual misconduct
Highly suggestive or inappropriate remarks
Kissing
Depending on the nature of the crime a number of injuries in addition to sexual assault can be caused to the victim. Here is an incomplete list of injures:
In California all drivers of TNCs (transportation network companies), such as Uber, are required to have a rideshare insurance at all times when the app is on. When the app is switched on, the Uber driver’s time is divided into three periods. Uber then decides when its insurance is applicable based on the period the accident happened. Uber's insurance coverages work different ways depending on which "period" the coverage falls under as it may impact your Uber accident claim. The rideshare app is off: The driver's personal insurance is active, which must meet California's minimum auto insurance requirements.
$15,000 of bodily injury coverage per person injured in an accident
$30,000 of bodily injury coverage per accident
$5,000 of property damage coverage per accident.
First Period – Uber App is Switch on While the Driver Waits for Ride Request
California law has the following minimum auto insurance requirements while rideshare app is on but the driver hasn’t been paired with a passenger.
$50,000 of bodily injury liability coverage for a person hurt in an accident
According to California Penal Code Section 245(a)(1), assault with a deadly weapon is an unlawful attempt to cause bodily harm to another person using a weapon or using force likely to cause great bodily harm.
California Assault with a Deadly Weapon PC-245
Prosecutor must establish the following elements to prove an allegation of assault with a deadly weapon.
Defendant committed assault with a deadly weapon that by its nature would likely and directly result in the application of force on another one or the defendant didn’t use a weapon but used force likely to produce great bodily injury
Defendant acted intentionally
Defendant was aware of facts that would cause a reasonable person to understand that the act would directly and probably result in the use of force to another one
Defendant had the present ability to use force on another person
Unlike battery, physical contact is not required to take place for someone to get arrested and convicted for assault.
The defendant was aware that the act would likely result in the application of force to another person
The defendant had present ability to apply the force.
The defendant can face up to six months in county jail and a fine up to a maximum fine of $1,000.
What Does the Prosecutor Have to Prove to Convict a Defendant of Penal Code 242 Assault?
The prosecutor must establish the following elements to convict the defendant of battery under Penal Code 242 battery:
Defendant unlawfully and willfully touched another person in an offensive or harmful manner.
Assault is generally an attempt to commit battery. Assault may have taken place without the occurrence of a battery since physical contact is not an element of an assault charge. The crime of battery necessarily requires an assault. The defendant can’t unlawfully and willfully touch another person (battery) without firstly making an unlawful attempt (assault) to do so.
Battery Penal Code Section 242 PC
California Penal Code Section 242 defines the crime of battery as any willful and unlawful use of force or violence upon another person. In California, law battery is a misdemeanor crime and the defendant can face up to six months in county jail and a fine of up to $2,000.
Spousal Battery Penal Code Section 243 PC
Per Penal Code Section 243(e)(1), is a crime often referred to as “spousal battery” and it occurs when a defendant uses violence or force against:
A current or a former spouse
Cohabitant
Parent of the child
Someone he or she is or had an engagement to
A spousal battery conviction is a misdemeanor with up to one year in county jail and a fine of up to $2,000. A defendant may also be required to enter a batterer’s program and pay up to $5,000 to a battered women’s shelter.
Corporal Injury on a Spouse or Cohabitant PC Section 273.5
The crime of inflicting corporal injury on a spouse or cohabitant under Penal Code 273.5(a) is similar to spousal battery under Penal Code 243. The crimes involve the same people with whom the defendant has a relationship as under Penal Code Section 243(e)(1). The difference between these two crimes is that for being convicted defendant must have inflicted some type of injury upon the victim.
What Does The Prosecutor Have to Prove To Convict a Defendant of Penal Code 273.5?
The prosecutor must establish the following elements to convict the defendant under PC Section 273.5:
The defendant inflicted corporal injury on a current of a former spouse, current or former partner, current or former cohabitant, parent of the child
The defendant intentionally inflicted the injury
As a result of the use of force the victim has suffered a traumatic condition, whether a serious or minor wound or any other injury to the body.
In California Penal Code section 273.5 is a wobbler offense, with either a misdemeanor or felony conviction. If convicted of a misdemeanor, the defendant will face up to one year in county jail and a fine of up to $6,000. If convicted of a felony the defendant will face two, three, or four years in state prison and a fine of up to $6,000.
Los Angeles Criminal Defense Attorney
If you or someone you know has been charged with California Penal Code secontions 240, 242, 243, or 273.5 we invite you to contact our criminal defense attorney today at (310) 943-1171 for a free consultation and case reivew.
Under 18 USC 2113 Subsections (d) you cannot assault or put another person’s life in jeopardy by using a dangerous device or weapon.
Under USC 2113 Subsections (e) you cannot kill or kidnap another person during an attempt to avoid capture for the crime.
Elements of Federal Bank Robbery under 18 USC 2113
Prosecutor must establish the following elements to convict the defendant of Federal Bank Robbery under 18 USC 2113
Defendant took or attempted to take property, money, or items of value from the person or presence of another belonging to or in the management, care, control, custody, or possession of a bank, credit union, or savings and loan association.
At the time charged in the indictment the bank or credit union had its deposits insured by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation, National Credit Union Administration or Federal Savings & Loan Insurance Corporation
Defendant acted to take such property, money, or other items of value by force and violence, or by intimidation.
USC 2113 gives a definition to the institutions that cover the statute
Bank that is a member of the federal reserve association,
Credit unions
Savings and loan associations
Trust companies
Savings banks
Branches of foreign banks
Other banking associations, and institutions whose deposits are covered by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation
Penalties for Violating 18 USC 2113
In case the defendant used force to obtain the property, money, or thing of value he can face up to 20 years in federal prison and a fine of up to $250,000.
In case the defendant didn’t use force to obtain the property, money, or thing of value he can receive up to 10 years in federal prison for the theft of items valuing more than $1,000.
In case the defendant didn’t use force and the value of the stolen items was less than $1,000 he can receive to up to one year in federal state.
In case the defendant assaulted or put another person’s life in jeopardy, he will receive up to 25 years in federal prison.
In case the defendant kidnapped, took hostage, or killed another person while attempting to flee or avoid being caught, he can face life in prison or the death penalty.
Contact KAASS LAW for a legal consultation or for any further assistance!
Withholding documents from the administrators of any bankruptcy
Illegally receiving property from a debtor
Receiving or giving any bribe in relation to a bankruptcy
Making a false oath or accounts in relation to any bankruptcy
Destroying or concealing documents related to a bankruptcy or a debtor
Defenses to Bankruptcy Fraud
Good faith belief In case the defendant honestly and in good faith believed the misleading statements or promises made as part of the scheme were true it is a valid defense in federal bankruptcy charges. Substantial Assistance Usually, the most commonly utilized method to avoid the penalties for federal bankruptcy fraud is substantial assistance. The prosecution is authorized to ask the court to suspend or reduce a sentence when the defendant provides substantial assistance in the arrest, identification, or conviction of any other person engaged in the scheme to defraud. Penalties for violating 18 U.S. Code Chapter 9 Under federal law, the punishment for Bankruptcy Fraud may vary depending on the circumstances, nature and of the offense, and the defendant’s criminal history. Under 18 U.S. Code Section 157 the crime of Bankruptcy Fraud is a felony, punishable by:
Up to five years in federal prison
A fine of up to $250,000.
Probation is also possible in bankruptcy fraud cases. For the probation period, the defendant will be required to comply with specific orders, such as not committing more crimes and meeting with a probation officer. Usually, probation lasts from one to three years, however, longer sentences are possible.
The defendant will be additionally required to pay restitution and forfeit any property or money obtained from the scheme to defraud.
There are numerous provisions in the law when a person can escape from criminal liability. The law isn’t applicable under the following circumstances:
Person is an authorized military personnel or police officer
Person is an authorized security guard or transporter for a financial institution, bank, or other common carriers
Person is a licensed individual that is in the business of manufacturing, repairing, importing, wholesaling, or dealing in firearms
Person has written permission from the school district
Person is on private property either at a business or residence as long as he lawfully possesses the gun
Person is carrying a concealed pistol or revolver that is unloaded and is in a locked container within his vehicle
Legal defenses to California PC Section 626.9 Charges
Legal defenses to California PC Section 626.9 charges
Defendant did not know or could not reasonably know that he was near a school zone
Defendant was a subject an unlawful search and seizure
Any of the exemptions listed in the act applied to the defendant at the time
Penalties for Violating the Gun-Free School Zone Act
In case the defendant possessed a firearm in, or on the grounds of a public or private school, he will face two, three, or five years sentence in California state prison. If the defendant possessed a firearm within 1,000 feet of the grounds of a public or private school he will face a sentence of two, three, or five years in California state prison when any of the bellow mentioned circumstances apply:
Defendant had prior felony convictions
Defendant was prohibited from possessing a firearm pursuant to Chapter 2, or Chapter 3, of Division 9 of Title 4 of Part 6 of California Penal Code, or Section 8100 or 8103 of the Welfare and Institutions Code
The firearm was a revolver, pistol, or any other concealable firearm, punishable as an illegally concealed weapon pursuant to PC Section 25400
In case the defendant discharged, or attempted to discharge a firearm in a school zone, he will face a sentence of three, five, or seven years in California state prison. For anymore inquires on this matter, give us a call! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ffi6hAbU8cw
Penal Code Section 243(b) and (c) is only applicable when the peace officer whom the defendant battered was engaged in the performance of his duties. Violent or Offensive Manner Even the slightest touching, if it is done in an objectively rude or violent manner constitutes offensive touching even if it didn’t cause harm, pain, or any kind of injury. The touching doesn’t need to be direct.
Legal defenses to Penal Code Sections 243(b) and 242(c)
Legal defenses to California Penal Code Section 243(b) and 243(c) include
Defendant committed the battery in self-defense or in defense of another person
In case the defendant reasonably believed that he or another person was in imminent danger of great bodily injury or harm and he reasonably used force necessary to deflect that harm, then he can assert self-defense.
Defendant acted accidentally
For being convicted of a 243(b) or (c) defendant must have intentionally touched the peace officer. In case he didn’t act willfully he cannot be found guilty of battery on a peace officer.
The peace officer was not performing his duties
In case the peace officer whom the defendant battered was not engaged in the performance of his duties, then he cannot be found guilty of this crime. Even if the victim announced that he was a peace officer and was wearing a police uniform he cannot be deemed performing his duties in case he unlawfully detained or arrested the defendant, violated defendant’s fourth amendment rights or committed police brutality. This means that officer was not engaged in a legal performance of his duties.
Penalties for a California PC 243(b) or 243(c) Conviction
Penalties for violating California PC 243(b) and 243(c) Sections In California a basic battery on a peace officer is a misdemeanor with the following penalties:
Up one year in a county jail,
A fine of up to $2,000
Misdemeanor probation
California PC Section 243(c): Wobbler According to California PC Section 243(c), a battery on a peace officer that caused an injury is a wobbler and can be charged as either a misdemeanor or a felony, depending on the circumstances of the case and the defendant's criminal history. For purposes of California PC Section 243(c) the injury is considered the one that requires medical attention. Penalties for a misdemeanor conviction are the following:
Up one year in a county jail
A fine of up to $10,000
Misdemeanor probation
Penalties for a felony conviction are the following:
Sixteen months, two or three years in a county jail under California realignment
Theft or fraud of an elderly person in violation of California elder abuse laws under Penal Code Section 368
Prior sex crime convictions with the requirement to register as a sex offender under Penal Code Section 290
A prior conviction for one of a serious or violent felonies, such as
Rape
Gross vehicular manslaughter
Murder or attempted murder
Sex crimes with a child under 14 years old
Sex crimes committed through the use of force or fear
Assault with a machine gun on a peace officer
Possession of a weapon of mass destruction
Solicitation to commit murder
Any other felony punishable by life in prison or the death penalty
Proposition 47's Reform
Prior to proposition 47, three prior convictions for different theft crimes could lead to a felony sentence of sixteen months to three years for a conviction on a new charge. But, proposition 47 has changed the law so that most of the cases with three prior theft convictions will remain misdemeanors. Exceptions are the following:
Prior convictions for California PC Section 368(d) or (e) elder abuse
In case the defendant is required to register as a sex offender.
Legal Defenses to California Penal Code Section 666 Charges
Legal defenses to California Penal Code Section 666 charges include
No intent to steal
Intent is one of the key elements that must be proved for convicting defendant of a theft crime. In case the defendant didn’t not intent to steal the property he is not guilty of petty theft.
Consent from the owner
In case the owner of the property gave the defendant a permission to take the property, he can’t be found guilty of petty theft.
Defendant had a reasonable belief that the property belonged to him
In case the property actually belonged to the defendant or if he reasonably but mistakenly believed that the property belonged to him, he is not guilty of petty theft.
Penalties for a California Penal Code Section 666 Conviction
Penalties for a California Penal Code Section 666 conviction include In California law petty theft with a prior conviction is a wobbler and can be charged as either a misdemeanor or a felony, depending on the case facts and the defendant’s criminal history.
Defendant will get up to one year in county jail for misdemeanor conviction.
Defendant will get sixteen months, two or three year’s term in California State prison for felony conviction
The following are the steps the victim must undertake:
Seek medical treatment immediately for any injuries and receive a rape kit in case the victim was raped
Call the police and give them the required information,
Report the sexual assault to Uber
Request a copy bank statement proving the payment for the ride
Take pictures of damages and injuries
Try to record eyewitnesses’ statements or testimonies, or ask for their personal information for contacting them later
Filling a Personal Injury Claim
In the state of California for personal injury, claims victim has up to two years from the date of the act to file a claim. In case the victim exceeds this statute of limitations, the claim can be outright denied. Therefore, it is important to file a claim against Uber and the driver as soon as possible. The judge will consider the level of injuries inflicted upon the victim. Sexual harassment includes lewd conduct, suggestive language, unwarranted sexual advances, and requests for sexual favors. It leads to uncomfortable situations but generally does not enter the physical realm. However, when it does, it becomes sexual assault, which includes groping, assault and battery, kidnapping, inappropriate touching, threats and intimidation, sexual assault and rape, or any use of physical violence or force. A victim can also file a claim against both the driver and Uber. The Uber driver is a person who has committed the acts and can be responsibly liable for his unlawful actions, but the Company can also be complicit if it was negligent in the hiring process or service provision. There is a case of negligence if the driver had a prior conviction of sexual assault or other related crimes and Uber hired him anyway.
What Types of Damages Can a Victim of Sexual Assault in an Uber Can Recover?
The victim of sexual assault in an Uber can collect the following types of damages:
Economic Damages: Any damages connected with monetary loss or hardship, such as medication, hospitalization fees, surgery costs; property loss, which could occur during the assault, such as bag, purse, phone or laptop left in the car; and lost wages at work due to medical treatment or an inability to make it to work due to stressful situation.
Non-economic Damages: This is the compensation that can’t be measured with money, which involves pain and suffering, mood disorders and anxiety, subsequent mental stress.
$100,000 of bodily injury liability coverage per one accident
$30,000 of property damage liability coverage per one accident
Uber’s rideshare policy isn’t applicable for accidents that take place before a driver accepts a passenger, since Uber considers drivers contractors rather than employees. Consequently, they are not responsible for what happens while the driver isn’t on duty.
Second Period: Driver is On the Way to Pick up the Passenger
Once there is a ride request from a passenger and the driver accepts it, this puts the driver in “on duty” status and Uber’s insurance coverage starts. But in case the driver gets in an accident before he picked up the passenger, it follows that the passenger would have to cancel the ride. This adds a layer of difficulty when claiming the insurance coverage.
Third Period: Uber Passenger is in The Vehicle
The third period is the easiest one to claim insurance coverage from Uber. The passenger is in the Uber car, the driver is “on duty” and the Company must cover whatever happens during this period. Consequently once the driver has been paired with a passenger and after the passenger has entered the Uber car, the company is required to carry a $1 million liability insurance policy. Uber provides its drivers with $1 million of uninsured and underinsured motorist bodily injury coverage. It also provides comprehensive and collision coverage with a $1,000 deductible as long as the driver has collision coverage on his personal auto insurance policy. California law requires the driver to be covered by an auto insurance policy at all times. But since the TNC can help meet that requirement, not all rideshare drivers in California need to purchase rideshare insurance for driving legally. But, the driver may want to purchase an individual rideshare policy which will let to maintain some coverage, such as comprehensive, collision and medical payments, during the First period. Otherwise, the driver would have to pay the costs himself if he is injured or the vehicle is damaged in that period.
An Attorney Can Provide Legal Assistance For Your Uber Insurance Coverage
It is in your best interest to consult with a Los Angeles Uber accident lawyer about your claim before speaking with Uber or an insurance adjuster. This way you will have more leverage in settlement negotiations with Uber and Uber's insurance adjusters to get the compensation you deserve rather than getting lowball settlement offers. If you or a loved one have been injured in an Uber or Lyft accident we invite you to get in touch with our office. We are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
Deadly weapon is defined as any object or instrument that is inherently deadly or which can be used in such a way as to cause death or great bodily harm.
Legal Defenses to PC Section 245(a)(1) Charges
Some common defenses to an assault with a deadly weapon charge?
Self Defense: Defendant can argue that he was acting in his own defense or the defense of another person.
Consent: Defendant can argue that the victim agreed with his conduct
False Facts: Defendant can argue that the allegations against him are inappropriate or false.
Involuntary Act: Defendant can argue that the action which caused the assault was unintentional or involuntary.
Penalties for Violating California PC Section 245
In California assault with a deadly weapon is considered a “wobbler”, and can be charged as either a felony or misdemeanor offense depending on the case facts and defendant’s criminal record. The prosecution will take into account different factors such as the type of weapon, the extent of the victim’s injuries and the manner in which the assault was conducted.
Penalties for Misdemeanor Assault with Deadly Weapon Conviction
Penalties for misdemeanor assault with deadly weapon conviction are the following:
Up to one year in a county jail
A fine of up to $10,000
Misdemeanor probation
Penalties for Felony Assault with Deadly Weapon Conviction
Penalties for felony assault with deadly weapon conviction are the following:
Up to 4 years in a county jail
A fine of up to$10,000.
Felony probation
There are some factors that can increase the penalties beyond this range, such as:
Use of a semiautomatic weapon
The defendant can be sentenced to up to 9 years in prison if he is convicted of assault using a semiautomatic firearm such as a rifle or handgun.
Use of an automatic weapon
The defendant can be sentenced to up to 12 years in prison if he is convicted of an assault using an automatic weapon such as a .50 BMG rifle, machine-gun or an assault weapon.
The victim was a firefighter or police officer
The defendant can be sentenced to up 12 years in prison if the victim was a police officer or firefighter on duty at the time the assault took place.
Felony Strike
A felony conviction under PC Section 245 can also result in a “strike” for the purposes of California’s “Three-Strike” law. Three strikes on defendant’s criminal record mean that he can be sentenced to life in prison without parole. Are you in need of a criminal defense attorney in California? Get in touch with KAASS Law if you would like us to take a look into your criminal matter.